Diencephalon and Hypothalamus Objectives

Hypothalamus:1. Functions — its most important job is to maintain homeostasis (ormaintaining the body’s status quo); it does so by regulating threeinterrelated functions:a. Endocrine Secretion — controls hormone release by the pituitarygland.b. Autonomic Function — integrates autonomic functions via directprojections to preganglionic autonomic neurons located in thebrain-stem and spinal cord.c. Emotions and Drives — it has numerous interconnections with thelimbic system by which it generates behaviors involved in rage,aggression, escape, etc.